East Texas

By KENNETH DEAN
Staff Writer

BERRYVILLE — Standing outside of the small church and gathered in groups inside, parishioners consoled each other and talked about how they would get through the tragedy that claimed the lives of their pastor and his daughter.

Hilltop Baptist Church senior deacon Bill Gulihur said the church family and the communities of Berryville and Frankston were reeling from the fatal accident that killed Shane Lawrence Morgan and his 12-year-old daughter Kalee Elizabeth Morgan shortly before Wednesday night services were to begin.

“Some of us were here at the church ready for our weekly classes when we heard the news. All I can say is we were all stunned and it took awhile for it to sink in,” he said.

The accident happened Wednesday night on Farm-to-Market Road 317 about 10 miles south of Brownsboro when the Morgans' vehicle was struck head on by a vehicle driven by Naval Chief Petty Officer Jose Miramontes Jr., 31, of Kemp, officials said.

Morgan died at East Texas Medical Center of his injuries while his daughter was pronounced dead at the scene.

Morgan’s wife Lisa Ann Morgan, 31, remains in serious condition at Mother Frances Hospital with internal injuries and the couple’s 4-year-old daughter Emily Paige Morgan is hospitalized in Parkland Dallas in fair condition.

Miramontes is listed in serious condition with injuries including broken legs.

“We lost a very precious gift of God in Shane and also a precious child in his daughter,” Gulihur said. “We’re in pain and we’re hurting, but we know that God wants us now to take care of Lisa and Emily and do what we can for them.”

Paige Krajca walked around the outside of the church where a sign states Shane Morgan is the pastor. Flags around the sign are set at half staff.

“Shane and his family have done a lot for me personally and I am in shock. We’re all in shock,” she said.

She thought a moment and continued, “Shane planted a seed in this church of familyhood and I know that seed will continue to grow.”

Gulihur said services will be held Sunday at the church and Morgan’s plan would be followed.

“We will continue to go down the road he had paved for us. We will grieve and we will console each other, but we must continue to do the work he set out to do,” he said.